News
Anambra by-elections- The morning after
By Ike Ume-Atuana
The by-election for the Anambra South senatorial Zone and Onitsha North Constituency 1 to fill the voids created by the deaths of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Hon Justice Azuka has come and gone, but not without some important lessons. One, the election exposed the soft underbelly of the opposition political parties in the state. Two it confirmed the ruling party – the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as popular and dominant in the state.
Before this time, the opposition had boasted of mass appeal and electoral strength that would be deployed to run APGA out of the state. While some of them were confident of achieving this singular feat on some politicians’ coattails, the APC demonstrated its “capacity” through brazen striking to death of a live cock – the symbol of APGA – at Nteje. With the benefit of hindsight, all these have proved a sham and confirmed the statement repeated every so often by Governor Soludo that opposition parties do not exist in Anambra. Anybody who was in doubt before now, the August 16, 2025, by-election has removed all that.
The election did two things. It exposed the unpopularity of the opposition parties. It also uncovered their organizational weaknesses. It may be consoling for the opposition and their sympathizers to blame their loss on malpractice, but that was not true. They were beaten in their own game and if truth be told nobody can rig an election where they are not popular or are merely tolerated. Allegation of vote-buying and or financial inducement which has since been bandied around by the moping losers as responsible for the decisive defeat is to say the least cheap and an admission of failure. Though unfounded, elections are not fail-safe and cannot change overnight just because those who wished to win stood still while real winners worked their hearts out. The fact that many of the candidates lost in their very wards speaks of rejection that was deep. It was a clear case of lack of electoral value that does not promise better either now or in the future. The victory was simply an affirmation of support for APGA and a reconfirmation of the confidence reposed very early in the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo by ndi Anambra.
It should be understood that what happened during the by-election was not a fluke. It was as intentional as any election where a people consciously decide to discard emotions, spurn friendship and reject lucre to vote their conscience for their own good and the good of their state. In fact, the election was a reward for the manner in which Soludo and APGA have consistently moved higher the levers of development in the state.
But assuming without conceding that money played a role in the election, how did a governorship candidate who once boasted of riches and claimed he could pay the salaries of the Governor decided to sit by and watch his party lose? Besides the senatorial candidate in the election is not poor. But he has one affliction – ubiquity. He has been around too many times and has become a perennial fixture in all categories of elections in the state senate, governorship etc. His candidacy held no promise. Ditto for the Onitsha North Constituency 1 election. It followed a pattern consistent with how Onitsha people often voted. It is unsaid, but Onitsha North Constituency 1 is represented by either Onitsha son or daughter while Onitsha South Constituency 2 can be won by non-indigene. The only condition upon which APGA would have lost the election was on the principle of widow’s succession. As emotional as it was, it could not change the people’s tradition of voting their own.
It is clear the opposition has its head in the cloud and was not diligent enough to appreciate its strengths and weaknesses in the election. Anybody who is conversant with the political dynamics of Anambra knows that the opposition in not on ground in the state. It is important to note that apart from the fact that APGA has been around, Soludo achievements stand as a mirror before the voting public. It may be difficult for the electorates to experiment with any other party either now or on November 8 when the governor will be on the ballot.
APGA has become a party of choice in Anambra through conscious effort at statecraft by all its governments. It has special relationship with the electorates that it will take some beating. It has become so entrenched in the state that sheer braggadocio from the opposition can avail nothing. As a matter of fact, if empty promises and or boasts as were evident in this election cycle can threaten the dominance of APGA in the state, previous elections would have done it when opposition was stronger. But that was not the case because the Anambra electorates know what they want and do not subscribe to any form of gamble. They are smart enough to tell the parties apart.
It would have been a surprise had APGA lost the by-elections. The party has no reason to lose to any of the parties many of which have questionable provenance. Sweeping the 118 wards in the Anambra South Senatorial Zone and winning about 78% of the votes cast are indicative of what will happen in the entire state in November. It is not likely that a different result will be posted when the entire state goes to the polls. APGA is expected to win in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. In fact, it will be worse for the opposition in the Anambra Central Senatorial District which is already waiting anxiously for Soludo to conclude his good works in four year time. The Central Senatorial Zone will lead the re-election effort of Governor Soludo and will make sure the opposition is steamrollered. The by-election verdict is a precursor of what to expect in November, and it is advised that the opposition does not have great expectations because the Anambra electorate is quite discerning.
Ume-Atuana, a commentator on National issues writes from Awka.
The Service stated this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday.
According to the NIS, the only authorised platform for passport payments by Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, is its official passport portal.
It added that foreigners seeking Nigerian visas should use only its official visa portal for embassy applications or the designated e-visa portal for electronic visa applications.
It said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to reiterate that the only authorised platforms for passport payments for Nigerians (at home and in diaspora) is https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
“For foreigners wishing to apply for visa, https://visa.immigration.gov.ng (for visa at the Embassy) and https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng (for e-visa) are the official links.
The NIS urged applicants who require clarification or assistance with passport or visa applications to contact its verified communication channels.
It listed its official X accounts as @nigimmigration and @InquireAtNaija, while its verified Facebook and Instagram handles are @nigimmigration.
The Service also provided WhatsApp numbers 09160878000 and 09117717772 for enquiries and support.
The statement reiterated the Service’s commitment to ensuring secure and transparent passport and visa application processes, urging the public to avoid fraudulent intermediaries.
The US Department of State said the move is aimed at centralising routine visa services in regional hubs to enhance national security, reduce government spending, and ensure greater consistency in visa screening, vetting and adjudication.
In a statement on the US Department of State website on Wednesday, the department said the reorganisation aligns with the President Donald Trump’s administration’s priority of placing America’s interests and security first.
“The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations in order to advance America’s priorities as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes a visa process that maintains rigorous standards of security screening and vetting and aligns resources and operational capacity with America’s national interests.
“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department will continue to provide Americans with appropriate consular services and assistance at diplomatic posts around the world,” the statement read.
Besides Abuja, the affected diplomatic posts are located in Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Juba, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Maseru, Mbabane, N’Djamena, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek.
It also emphasised that all diplomatic missions will continue to provide consular services and carry out their regular functions on behalf of the United States.
The department further assured travellers that the policy does not invalidate visas that have already been issued.
The United States periodically reviews its global diplomatic operations to reallocate resources and streamline consular services.
Under the new arrangement, applicants in countries affected by the policy are expected to access routine visa services through designated regional processing hubs, while embassies and consulates continue to provide other diplomatic and consular assistance.
The Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) has condemned the alleged rape, severe domestic violence, mob torture and attempted murder of a 34-year-old mother of six in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
WACOL, in a statement signed by its Senior Communication Officer, Ezugwu Bethel, said it received the reports with “profound shock, outrage and deep sorrow,” describing the incident as a gross violation of human dignity, fundamental human rights and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2019 of Enugu State.
According to the organisation, the survivor had allegedly endured years of domestic violence at the hands of her husband, who reportedly physically assaulted her and her mother.
WACOL said the woman, in an attempt to escape the abuse, rented a separate apartment, but her husband allegedly tracked her down and attacked her on the night of July 17, forcing her to flee to her mother’s residence.
The organisation alleged that the husband followed her there and threatened to kill her if she remained, forcing her to seek refuge with a male palm kernel trader.
According to WACOL, because the trader was married, he took the woman to a friend’s house for temporary shelter. However, the organisation alleged that the friend and another resident connived to restrain the trader and raped the woman.
WACOL further alleged that the attackers subsequently locked the woman and the trader inside the house before informing her husband of their whereabouts.
The organisation claimed that the husband arrived with a mob, broke down the door and allegedly subjected the woman and the trader to severe physical abuse.
It alleged that the husband publicly raped the woman while members of the mob restrained the trader, who had reportedly attempted to help her.
WACOL further alleged that the husband took the woman’s money, used it to buy drinks for youths and other members of the community, and allegedly incited them to attack the woman and the trader.
The organisation said the mob stripped the two victims naked, spat on them and beat them severely. It further alleged that some female members of the mob used broken bottles to shave the woman’s hair, while the victims were also allegedly inflicted with multiple cutlass wounds.
According to WACOL, the severely injured woman was subsequently dragged into an “evil forest” and abandoned.
The organisation said the woman spent three days in the forest before, despite her injuries, crawling to the main road, where she was discovered by Good Samaritans who contacted her sister and facilitated her rescue.
WACOL said the survivor is currently receiving medical treatment at a police clinic while remaining in hiding for fear of further attacks.
The organisation also raised concerns over the whereabouts of the male palm kernel trader, who was allegedly tortured alongside the survivor, saying his current location remains unknown.
WACOL said the police had arrested the woman’s husband and some female accomplices, but alleged that several other suspects remained at large.
The organisation also expressed concern over alleged interference by community leaders, claiming that the traditional ruler and President General of the community had banished the survivor and her family after they reported the incident to the police.
WACOL described the alleged banishment as victim-blaming and an abuse of power, adding that the community leaders must be held accountable if found to have obstructed justice or aided criminal suspects.
The organisation commended the Enugu State Police Command for its intervention but called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that all fleeing suspects are arrested and prosecuted.
WACOL also demanded an immediate search and rescue or recovery operation for the missing palm kernel trader.
It further called on the Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters to investigate the alleged roles of the traditional ruler and President General, while demanding adequate security for the survivor, her sister and other family members.
WACOL said its legal and psychosocial teams had been activated to support the survivor in her recovery and pursuit of justice.
The organisation called on Nigerians, human rights groups and the media to join the campaign for justice for the mother of six.
Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has warned Nigerian youths against depending on sports betting as a pathway to wealth, saying lasting success can only be achieved through hard work, patience and integrity.
Speaking during a message to members of his congregation, the cleric described betting as a dangerous distraction capable of destroying the future of young people and preventing them from fulfilling their God-given potential.
Oyedepo urged youths to resist the growing temptation of seeking quick riches through gambling, stressing that genuine prosperity is built on diligence, discipline and purposeful living.
“Young people, 9jabet is not the way to financial fortune. Stop wasting your destiny,” he declared.
He emphasised that although the journey to success may sometimes appear slow, honest labour and consistency ultimately produce more enduring rewards than relying on luck or shortcuts.
“It may be slow, but it’s sure,” he added.
The bishop also reflected on his personal life, recalling how his mother’s unwavering faith influenced his decision to become a Christian at the age of 15.
He recounted how he later expressed his gratitude by buying her a car while she was living in the United States, describing the gift as one that brought her immense joy before her passing at the age of 92.
Using the experience to encourage young people, Oyedepo urged them to embrace faith, perseverance and gratitude instead of pursuing instant wealth through betting.
He concluded his message by urging Nigerian youths to rethink their priorities and make choices that would guarantee a brighter future.
“You better wake up,” he said.
Family members have launched a fundraising campaign to repatriate the remains of a Nigerian woman, Christiana Nwosu, who reportedly died of cardiac arrest while visiting the United Kingdom.
The information came on Monday from a GoFundMe appeal signed by Chijioke Metuka on behalf of the Nwosu family.
According to Metuka, Nwosu died on July 19, 2026, leaving her children and loved ones devastated by the sudden loss.
Metuka described the deceased as “a beacon of light, love and warmth” whose passing had created an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her.
The family said its greatest wish was to honour her memory by returning her body to Nigeria for burial, where she would be laid to rest among her extended family and ancestral roots.
The appeal read, “During this time of immense grief, Izuchukwu and his family’s deepest wish is to honour her memory by laying her to rest in her homeland of Nigeria, surrounded by her extended family and roots.
“Repatriating a loved one from the UK to Nigeria comes with significant and unexpected financial burdens.”
However, the family noted that repatriating her remains from the UK would cost about £10,000, covering funeral director fees, specialist repatriation services and documentation, air freight charges, transportation, and funeral and burial expenses in Nigeria.
“We have set up this fund to support Izuchukwu and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Every single donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards covering these repatriation and funeral expenses to help ease the financial strain on the family,” the appeal read.
The organisers appealed to members of the public to support the family through donations or by sharing the fundraising campaign with others.
“If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with others and keeping Izuchukwu and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity and support,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, a sum of £7,941 had been raised out of the £10,000 target.
In February a Nigerian woman, Oluranti Akinyemi, died in the UK shortly after arriving in the country for her son’s graduation ceremony.
Her family had launched a fundraising campaign on JustGiving to raise £20,000 to repatriate her remains to Nigeria and cover related expenses.
-
Education3 days agoHostel Building Collapses at Federal Polytechnic Oko, Students Feared Trapped
-
Politics3 days agoWhy Buhari didn’t openly support Tinubu in 2023 APC primary — Ex-SGF Babachir
-
News3 days agoOji River College Gets N127.1bn for 393 Empowerment Projects — Tracka
-
Health5 days ago20,966 Nigerian Health Workers Migrated Abroad in One Year – Report
-
News3 days agoFG Budgets About N1tn for SUVs, Empowerment Amid Rising Borrowing Pressure
-
Politics4 days agoEnugu NDC Passes Vote Of Confidence On Dr. Johnpaul Anih-Led State Exco, Warns Against Destabilisation
-
Opinion2 days agoThe Real Ethnic Bigotry Is Ugwuagbo’s Dangerous Ethnic Stereotyping, Not Governor Mbah’s Appointments
-
News2 days agoNnamdi Kanu Terminates Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s Legal Representation, Withdraws IPOB Mandate